1000 to 1200 engine swap

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guidowitz
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1000 to 1200 engine swap

#1

Post by guidowitz »

I have a nice 1976 that needs a new engine.

I was hoping to find a 1976 or 1977 replacement to keep things period correct but nothing is coming up on my radar over the past year here in northern California.

I did find a nice used 1200 for sale locally . Asking $300.

I was hoping to keep the rig period correct, but now realize I may have to venture into a custom project if I ever expect to ride it again.

For those that have done a 1000----->1200 conversion I would be grateful to hear the advantages and pitfalls related to this swap.

I'm feel I'm experienced enough to do most the wrenching necessary, although my time is limited.

I just don't know what I may be facing in terms of the customization required and hoping that some who have journeyed here can give me advice.

Joy and peace for the holidays and new year!

David
David
Dept of Veterans Affairs...(Retired, 1985-2014).

1976 GL 1000 (current ride)
Previous rides:
1971 Triumph Bonneville
1966 Harley "FL" Police Bike
1951 Triumph Thunderbird
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wingrider
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#2

Post by wingrider »

It is a fairly easy swap. What year is the 1200? If it is an 84, it needs a slight bit more done to it.

Do you still have the 76 engine? If it is considered junk, pull the output shaft out of the 1000 to put in the 1200.

If the heads are still good, you can do a little swap of heads as well to get a little more umph out of it. There are a few things you need to do, but it will look like a 1000 when you are done.

From what I understand, first gear is just a suggestion in the swap. Guess it is just about useless unless you are racing.

It is a good bump in power with the 1200 in the 1000 frame.
2002 1800 Wing
2001 Valkyrie Interstate
1978 1200 EFI Wing with Motorvation Coupe Royale sidecar
1977 1200 Wing cafe/bobber project
1974 Suzuki GT550
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CYBORG
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#3

Post by CYBORG »

Scroll down and you will find several posts covering what you want to do. I have a 77 with a 1200 engine, and its pretty easy. Especially if you use a later model year with the ignition pickups in the front under the belt cover. Some minor clearance issues, but no bid deal to work around. 1200 engine is a much better performing then to 1000
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
guidowitz
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#4

Post by guidowitz »

Dear Wingrider,

Thanks for your response.

The "76 is junk

The engine available is a Honda 1987 GL1200 A GL 1200 Goldwing Aspencade Engine -

Copy that!! pull output shaft on the '76!

So from what I understand I can launch the 1200 in 2nd gear without out missing out on 1st?
First gear is just a suggestion in the swap? What did you mean exactly?
David
Dept of Veterans Affairs...(Retired, 1985-2014).

1976 GL 1000 (current ride)
Previous rides:
1971 Triumph Bonneville
1966 Harley "FL" Police Bike
1951 Triumph Thunderbird
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wingrider
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#5

Post by wingrider »

From what I understand, first gear gets used up real quick. I know ericheath has a 1200 in Schizoid, and have heard he usually starts out in second.

You may want to check out this post found down at the bottom of the page in similar topics....what’s involved in an 1200 swap into a 1000 frame.
2002 1800 Wing
2001 Valkyrie Interstate
1978 1200 EFI Wing with Motorvation Coupe Royale sidecar
1977 1200 Wing cafe/bobber project
1974 Suzuki GT550
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ericheath
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#6

Post by ericheath »

Try it, you’ll like it.

With the stock 1000 final drive the power comes in very fast in first gear and on my bike was too jerky for my liking. I have since gone with a different final drive.

The 87 should be a good candidate for this swap. It’s tight in a few spots but it goes. You can wade through the info about the heads and decide for yourself. Either way you’re adding quite a bit of displacement so it will be stronger.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
guidowitz
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#7

Post by guidowitz »

Can I use my 1976 Carbs with the 1200?
David
Dept of Veterans Affairs...(Retired, 1985-2014).

1976 GL 1000 (current ride)
Previous rides:
1971 Triumph Bonneville
1966 Harley "FL" Police Bike
1951 Triumph Thunderbird
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ericheath
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#8

Post by ericheath »

Yes, but with the 76 heads and cams, the carbs will need some tweaking. I am running an 87 block with 77 heads, cams and carbs. I chased my tail every which way on them but currently have them running and performing well with a slightly bigger main. I have made each slide to have slightly less vacuum so they don’t lift too quickly. I also shrunk the size of the vacuum port in the cut-off valve to keep it from popping on deceleration.

Let us know when you’re getting to that point and I’ll show you what I did.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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ericheath
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Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#9

Post by ericheath »

I’m going to add for 98% of driving the 76 catbs will be fine. It was only if you downshifted and had a lot of revs that the slides would lift too fast and it would bog for a bit before it would go again.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
guidowitz
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Posts: 338
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Location: Silicon Valley

Re: 1000 to 1200 engine swap

#10

Post by guidowitz »

Thanks Ericheath!
David
Dept of Veterans Affairs...(Retired, 1985-2014).

1976 GL 1000 (current ride)
Previous rides:
1971 Triumph Bonneville
1966 Harley "FL" Police Bike
1951 Triumph Thunderbird
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